In a personal note on her, Varma says that she was the most desirable woman and the biggest superstar of the country but that's just a part of the story.

Varma says that except for a short glimmer of English Vinglish, Sridevi had been pretty much very unhappy. "She went through so much in her life and due to her early career entry, life never gave her time to grow up at a normal pace," writes Varma.

Gulf Newsquoted a chief prosecutor: “In such accidental death incidents, the results of the post-mortem and forensic examination reports are referred to the Public Prosecution as part of ordinary law enforcement procedures. The papers are revised by the prosecutors of the jurisdiction where the incident happened. An official order to hand over the body of the deceased to the family or relatives is issued shortly after that.”

The report further added that in case of any suspicious foul play, prosecutors would carry out further detailed investigations and decide on any future law enforcement procedures accordingly.

Indian Consulate officials told Khaleej Times that the Dubai Police were following usual protocol. However considering the highly sensitive nature of the case, they want be 100 percent sure before handing over the body to the family.

- Indian consulate officials, however, told Khaleej Timesthat the time of death was 11 pm, which widens the time gap even further

- There is no confirmation or any report which confirms that a doctor was called in the ensuing period. Incidentally, Jumeirah Hotel told Firstpost that all of their five-star properties have on-call doctors.

There is an hour gap between the official time of death and the first call made to the police.

According to Khaleej Times, a newspaper based out of UAE, the Dubai Police has claimed that Boney Kapoor was not interrogated. The media reports claiming so are baseless, the paper further reported.

"As per standard police investigation procedures, director and husband of the late Sridevi, Boney Kapoor, only provided his testimony on Sunday morning. The conversation between police and the director took place when her body was discovered at Jumeirah Emirates Tower Hotel on the night of her death. However, he was not called by the police on Monday for further interrogation. All media reports regarding further questioning are baseless..."

The Dubai-based news paper, however, said that the Sridevi was under the influence of alcohol because of which she may have lost her balance and she fell into the bathtub. Reports confirmed that her blood stream has shown traces of alcohol.

According to a report in Gulf News, the forensic report of the veteran actor has been handed over to her family and an embassy official. The reports haven't been opened yet.

"It has been sent to the Bur Dubai police station. Both the representatives have gone to the police station with it. Once it is opened by Dubai Police and the information revealed to them, then the next step for the process of repatriation will be decided," the news report claimed.

The Dubai-based news agency reported that Indian consulate have said the paperwork and all formalities are expected to conclude by 3.30 pm IST after which the Indian side can begin the procedure of bringing Sridevi's mortal remains home.

The report further said that the embassy official and Saurabh Malhotra, a relative of the Kapoor family, who were called inside the morgue earlier have been asked to leave and come back by 3.30 pm.

According to sources, the shooting for the song was scheduled to start on 25 February with actors Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. The song has been composed by Big B.

When IANS contacted him, Shukla said: "Yes as a mark of respect to the sudden and untimely demise of our legendary actress Sridevi, we decided to cancel our today's song shoot of 102 Not Out. May God give peace to her soul and strength to her family."

The Times of India is reporting that forensic doctors in Dubai have concluded that Sridevi died of a heart attack. The report adds that there is nothing suspicious about the way the superstar passed away, official sources told the media outlet as saying.

ABP Newsis quoting sources as claiming that Sridevi's last journey will be on a truck filled with white flowers. The report adds that Sridevi always wanted everything to be in white when she dies and that her family is trying its best to fulfill the last wish.

To report a death outside a hospital, the UAE police needs to be called immediately, as per the official portal of the UAE government. Forensic reports have to be obtained from the police to investigate the cause of death. The authorities then fill out a death report and move the body to a government morgue.

After the procurement of a death certificate, the document has to be submitted to UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The ministry registers the death and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation attests the death certificate, according to the official govt portal. In Sridevi's case, the forensic procedures were not rushed since she is a high profile personality, reports News18.

After getting the official death certificate, register the death with the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Department of Naturalisation and Residency of the emirate of residence. Ministry of Health and Prevention will register the death, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will attest the death certificate and translation and the Department of Naturalisation and Residency will cancel the visa. The process for registering a death might vary from emirate to emirate and depending on the religion and the residential status of the deceased.

In the case of the death of an expatriate, contact the embassy or consulate of his country in the UAE and inform them about his death for further formalities. Deceased expatriates may be cremated or buried in the UAE or their bodies may be sent to their home countries, on showing the requisite documents.

If you wish the body of the deceased to be flown back to his home country, you will need the death certificate to be translated and duly attested. You will also need an NOC from the embassy or the consulate of the deceased. The diplomatic mission must cancel the passport and register the death in the home country.

According to Khaleej Times, Indian consulate officials have said that after receiving the police clearance and forensic report, the other procedures including, immigration and embalming would be completed in the next 3 to 4 hours.

The officials have confirmed to the UAE-based newspaper that they are hopeful that Sridevi's body will be ready for repatriation with all the completed procedures by 1 to 2pm (Dubai time).

Manish Malhotra recalled his association with actress Sridevi and told News18, "I first met her in 1990 when she was already a superstar and I was beginning my career. Working with an icon I always called “Ma’am” was a turning point in my career, as it was the beginning of many associations and a longstanding friendship beyond work. We have seen each other grow professionally and personally - it was amazing to see the roles she blossomed into, her passion for painting, and the doting wife and mother she was.”

India Today is quoting the Dubai police department as saying that the autopsy certificate will be received by 8:30-9 am Dubai time (10-10:30 am IST). The report adds that once the report is clear, the mortal remains will be handed over to relatives for the final journey.

According to a report in Khaleej Times, the legendary actress was getting ready for a dream dinner date with her husband Boney Kapoor in Dubai before she reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest. According to the report, Boney had returned to Dubai in order to give a "surprise" to Sridevi. Both were supposed to return to Mumbai together.

According toThe Indian Express, crowds had gathered outside Sridevi's home in Lokhandwala on Sunday for a glimpse of the deceased superstar. However, awaiting the arrival of the funeral cortège, the dozens of fans finally lost patience.

Sridevi's mortal remains reached her Lokhandwala residence in Mumbai late evening Tuesday and the funeral is scheduled for 3:30 pm today at Ville Parle Seva Samaj Crematorium. Sridevi’s body will be at the Celebration Sports Club in Lokhandwala near her home for fans to pay their last respects from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Sridevi passed away late Saturday night in her hotel room in Dubai. She was in the city to attend a family wedding. Sridevi's fans from within the gilded inner circle of Indian cinema and movie buffs both are clutching at fond memories of the actor as the final hours approach. Downplaying the alleged discord between the two families of film producer Boney Kapoor, the Kapoor family will stand united at Sridevi's funeral, reports ANI. Boney Kapoor's three daughters, Anshula from the first marriage and Khushi and Jhanvi from second marriage to Sridevi, are present together at Boney's brother Anil Kapoor's house. Boney was already married to Mona Kapoor and had two children Arjun and Anshula when he met Sridevi. The producer married Sridevi in 1996, nine years after Sridevi starred in the Kapoor-produced classic Mr India.

00:55 (IST)

Give the family space and time to grieve for their loved one, says Hema Malini

A beautiful girl, a wonderful actress, a lovely human being - Sridevi -has so suddenly been snatched from our midst. What is most needed now is compassion for her 2 young girls deprived of their mother and for her grieving husband. (Contd)

Wednesday, Feb 28 schedule: Condolence meeting for Sridevi at Celebration Sports Club from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm followed by the funeral and last rites at Vile Parle Seva Samaj Crematorium and Hindu Cemetery from 3.30 pm.

.. and finally as #Sridevi takes her last journey tomorrow from her home to the cremation ground , all the ugliness created by speculators will be burnt to ashes too. One day we will look back ourselves and ask, why are we so ghoulish? Were these really fans that loved her?

Special corridor set up to ensure clear pathway for convoy accompanying Sridevi's body: CNN-News18

The ambulance carrying Sridevi’s mortal remains has left the airport and is being taken to Boney Kapoor’s house in Green Acres, Lokhandwala. According to reports, a special corridor has been created for the ambulance and the convoy accompanying it.

Sridevi's body reaches Mumbai; daughters, close family present at airport

Sridevi's mortal remains have finally reached Mumbai, three days after her sudden and untimely demise. The actor's close family, including her daughters Jhanvi and Khushi Kapoor were present at the airport. Ten people were onboard the plane including husband Boney and step son Arjun Kapoor, along with nephew Sandeep Marwah.

An ambulance from the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is at the airport to take her body to Boney Kapoor’s Lokhandwala residence, Green Acres. The funeral will be held tomorrow.

21:26 (IST)

Sonam Kapoor, other family members reach airport; Anil Ambani also present to receive actress' mortal remains

According to India Today, members of the Kapoor family, including Sonam and Anil Kapoor have reached the airport. Anil Ambani, whose Embraer aircraft is flying the mortal remains of the actress, has also reached the airport. The plane is expected to touch down shortly and the body would be taken to Boney Kapoor's residence.

Anil Kapoor has reached the Mumbai Airport to recieve the body of Sridevi. An ambulance from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is at the airport to take her body to Boney Kapoor’s residence. Security has been stepped up in the area.

Sridevi's body flown out of Dubai at IST 7.00 pm; death case formally closed in Dubai

The Embraer aircraft belonging to Anil Ambani's ADAG group departed from Dubai at around 7 pm (IST) carrying Sridevi's mortal remains, a senior Mumbai airport official said. It is expected to land in Mumbai at around 9.30 pm.

19:18 (IST)

Kapoor family issues statement

On behalf of Khushi, Janhvi, Boney Kapoor, the entire Kapoor and Ayyappan families, a sincere thanks to the media for your continued sensitivity and support during this emotional moment. Kindly find all the details for tomorrow :

1. Condolences and last respects:

Date & Time : 28th Feb Wednesday, 9.30 am to 12.30 pm (PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE SET UP BY 9 am at the venue)

In her South Indian films, Sridevi often out-performed veteran male co-stars like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan

​

"In her early years she was the quintessential talented South Indian heroine whose performance often outstripped those of the veteran male actors opposite whom she starred, be it in Tamil, Malayalam or Telugu.

Over the years I watched her grow from a chubby precocious child star into a perky teenager — usually dressed in short, short dresses — and blossom very soon into an extremely talented young actress who could essay any role which came her way. When she was just 13 she acted in Moondru Mudichu as a young woman who loses the man she loves, and is hounded by the man who allows him to die. Certainly a very complicated role for a 13 year old, but one which she tackled with the ease of a veteran."

Sridevi's mortal remains will be kept at Celebrations Sports Club for public homage; funeral expected after 3.30 pm

According to ANI, Sridevi's mortal remains will be kept at Celebrations Sports Club in Lokhandwala, where a condolence meet will be held between 9.30 am and 12.30 am on Wednesday. The funeral is expected to take place at Vile Parle Seva Samaj Crematorium after 3:30 pm.

18:50 (IST)

FirstCut by Manjul Toons

18:43 (IST)

Celebrities use #LetHerRestInPeace in response to sensational TV media coverage of Sridevi's death

TV media's frantic reporting over the death of veteran actor Sridevi has angered Bollywood celebrities and her fans, who have called the coverage "graceless" and "insensitive".

The body of work she has left behind is incomparable with few actors in Indian cinematic history. She attained a pinnacle of glory truly destined for people who belong with the Gods. Let's not trivialize her memory by tarnishing a true legend. #LetHerRestinPeacepic.twitter.com/yIO3LQUilO

As Sridevi's mortal remains have reached the Dubai International Airport, it is expected that they would be flown out soon. Boney Kapoor is being accompanied by son Arjun, Gulf News reported.

18:22 (IST)

Actors across film industry continue to slam media over coverage

In a perfect world, the Indian film industry would come together, identify every news outlet that stooped to such lows in their coverage of #Sridevi and cut them off... Show them they can't get away with this! But then again, in a perfect world, she would still be alive. R. I. P.

Sridevi's body taken to Dubai Airport's cargo area, mortal remains to be brought in private jet

17:49 (IST)

Celebrities slam TV media for sensational reporting on Sridevi's death

TV media's frantic reporting over the death of veteran actor Sridevi has angered Bollywood celebrities and her fans, who have called the coverage "graceless" and "insensitive". Celebrities such as Vidya Balan and Farhan Akhtar criticised the TV channels for suggesting various conspiracy theories on the cause of her death.

Balan, who posted a photo of the late actor, said, "May they let you rest in peace...." "Such a shame that whole country is silently watching their superstar Sridevi being murdered live by media," wrote a user while another user said media should stop using Sridevi's death for entertainment.

Sonu Sood wrote, "I wonder after doing such reporting about a legend who lost her life..can these people sleep in peace? Ashamed to live in times where we have to see such a standard of reporting on reputed channels. Shame on you... let someone rest in peace."

Indian Ambassador to UAE, Navdeep Suri, also appealed for calm. "The media interest in untimely demise of #Sridevi is understandable. But the frenzy of speculation does not help.

17:44 (IST)

Sridevi's body to be flown to India from royal terminal of the Dubai International Airport

17:40 (IST)

Mortal remains to be kept for public homage from 8 am, Tuesday

The family will arrive in Mumbai at 10.30 pm where they'll head straight to Sridevi's residence. On Wednesday morning, her fans, family members and the members of film fraternity will pay their respects at her Mumbai home in Lokhandwala. Arjun Kapoor and his cousin Saurabh Malhotra are accompanying Boney Kapoor from Dubai to Mumbai.

17:28 (IST)

Sridevi's funeral to be held tomorrow at 10.30 am, body will be kept at actor's Mumbai home

Sridevi's mortal remains will be brought to Mumbai around 10.30 pm tonight, Times Now reported. The actors funeral service will be held on Wednesday morning. India Today said that the cremation will take place at Lokhandwala crematorium around 10.30 am, and the body will be kept for public homage at the actor's residence, Green Acres from 8 am onwards.

17:10 (IST)

Sridevi's body to reach Mumbai by late evening: Reports

Sridevi's mortal remains have reached Dubai International Airport, from where it will be flown to India in a private jet. TV News reports said that the body will reach around 10.30 pm (IST) in Mumbai and will be taken to the Kapoor's residence in Andheri West.

Embalming procedure over, Sridevi's mortal remains to be taken to airport

The embalming procedure is now completed and Sridevi's mortal remains will now be directly taken to the airport. The ambulance carrying the body will be accompanied by police jeeps, which will escort it to the cargo terminal from where it will be flown in to India on a private jet.

16:20 (IST)

Sridevi's death certificate handed over to family: CNN-News 18

FP Dubai16:16 (IST)

Watch: Sridevi's body being taken for embalming

Sridevi's body has reached the embalming unit and the embassy officials are completing the process of repatriation in the meantime. Embalming is expected to take around 90 minutes after which the body will be taken to the Maktoum International Airport.

Dubai Public Prosecution stressed that all regular procedures followed in such cases have been completed. As per the forensic report, the death of the Indian actress occurred due to accidental drowning following loss of consciousness. The case has now been closed.

All procedures followed in investigation of Sridevi's death: Dubai government statement

In a couple of tweets, the Dubai Media Office Said: "The Public Prosecutor's Office #دبي: The decision to release the body came after all the investigations and procedural matters followed in such incidents were completed, in order to determine all its circumstances and ensure that justice was done within the framework of the law. The medical report showed that the death of Indian actress Sridevi Kapoor came as a result of her drowning in her hotel room after losing consciousness."

Embalming is the process of preserving the human body after death to delay decomposition. Human beings have been practising embalming in various forms for thousands of years. The body is drained of blood and gases and pumped with replacement fluids to temporarily slow its disintegration. The process is fairly common in the death of public figures, particularly because usually a traditional funeral is held, which includes keeping the body in an open casket for viewing the deceased's body.

Indian Consulate officials, close family members reach mortuary to receive Sridevi's body

According to Khaleej Times, the Kapoor family and Indian embassy officials have reached the morgue at the police headquarters, where Sridevi's body was kept since last night. The body will now be taken for embalming process, after which the repatriation papers will begin.

Moni Mathews, Senior journalist15:07 (IST)

At least few more hours' wait for Sridevi's fans, families

It will be at least three more hours before the body can be put on the India-bound jet, sources say. Taking into account the mid afternoon traffic, the processes at the mortuary, and the government embalming unit in Sonapur on the Dubai-Sharjah border, and then the long drive to the airport, it could be late in evening before the body reaches India.

Moni Mathews, Senior journalist14:58 (IST)

Body to be flown back to India from Maktoum International Airport in three hours

Sources say that after all the paperwork is complete, Sridevi's body will be flown back to India on a private jet from the Maktoum International Airport, some distance away from the city.

14:52 (IST)

Body to be flown back today: India's consul general to Dubai

The Indian Consulate told CNN-News 18 that the veteran actor's body will be flown back to Mumbai today. The Indian Embassy has received necessary clearance to begin the embalming process of the body, after which it will request for a local visa. Sridevi's passport will be canceled after that.

14:45 (IST)

Sridevi's body to be taken for embalming process

Reports have said that this process may take around three to four hours.

14:39 (IST)

Jaifiliya police station to hand over document to Indian Consulate for release of mortal remains

The PRO from the Indian consulate is at the station to receive the document.

Bollywood superstar Sridevi Kapoor, considered by many to be one of the biggest names in Hindi cinema, has died after suffering a heart attack in Dubai, her family told PTI on Sunday.

The shock death of the beloved Indian star in her mid-fifties, who reportedly passed away while attending her nephew's wedding in the emirate late Saturday night, prompted an outpouring of grief among fans and fellow Bollywood actors.

Born Shree Amma Yanger Ayappan, Sridevi made her acting debut aged just four, and went on have a career spanning over four decades.

She appeared in a string of blockbuster hit films including Chandni, Mr India, Mawali and Tohfa.

Sridevi, a Padma Shri awardee in 2013, began her career as a child artiste and grew up to be one of the most phenomenal female stars India ever had.

In the 1990s, Sridevi's roles in Chandni, Lamhe, Mr India, Nagina were not just personal landmarks but the stuff of Indian film lore for the ages.

Sridevi's more recent movies were English Vinglish and MOM which released in 2017 - her comeback after marriage and a career break. Sridevi's daughter Janhvi is set to make her Bollywood debut this year with Karan Johar’s Dhadak